Analysis Of 11 59 By Patricia Mckissack

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“11:59” Summary The literary piece “11:59” was written by Patricia C. McKissack and discussed a story involving the character Lester Simmons. Lester Simmons was a retired Pullman porter who was outgoing and enjoyed to tell stories. He had a funny side, but Lester was also diligent and determined in everything he did. The story took place in the 1950’s beginning at Union Station and moving into Lester’s apartment. Within the exposition of the piece, Lester Simmons was explaining the legendary 11:59 Death train for train porters to the youthful porters on Compton Avenue. Throughout the story, he was dealing with the conflict of fighting death and avoiding boarding the 11:59 train. As the story progresses, Lester is forced to resolve his conflict, and the author provided hints of symbolism in the outcome of the selection. …show more content…

As the yarn was told, the young porters pointed out that Tip had boarded the nonliteral 11:59 Death train. After Lester left Union Station, he began to feel a sharp pain in his chest. Later on that night, Lester Simmons heard the whistle of the 11:59 train. If his story was in fact true, he had exactly twenty-four hours until his death would take its toll. Lester attempted to prevent his passing in a myriad of ways. He boarded up his house and cut off all electricity to appliances to prevent from shocking himself. Lester also refrained from eating and drinking in order to remove the chance of choking. The next day, he heard the sound of the whistle once again, a sign that his time was halting. At the climax of the story, Lester started to have a difficult time breathing, and his chest pain was increasing. He was beginning to feel the effects of the 11:59 Death train’s official

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